Winter is always R&D time here in southern Oregon. The weather is less-than-ideal for biking (according to some), hence we’ve got time at Ashland Electric Bikes to explore new equipment and ideas. One new product that’s very exciting is the new configuration tube-style batteries.
These batteries are lockable, removable, and their shape allows them to be installed low in the middle of the frame – the very best place for a battery pack. This gives great weight distribution and balance of the overall bike whether it uses a front or rear hub motor. You’ll surely be seeing more of these on our custom builds and conversions here at Ashland Electric Bikes.
My ongoing quest to develop and offer a high powered bike that can handle the demands of our steep roads here in Ashland continues. There’s a large gap in the lineup right now between the $3k and $8-$10k bikes. This is the niche that I’m striving to fill with my next custom build.
My personal bike serves as the perfect platform for such explorations. Don’t be put off by the Frankenstein-like appearance of it right now. Remember – R&D. The final product will be much cleaner, smoother, and user friendly.
The criteria are:
comfort via full suspension and a more upright riding position,
lighter weight via lithium battery technology and motor sizing,
electronics/motor configuration with steep city street climbing capabilities
high quality components to handle the additional stresses such as
hydraulic disc brakes, ebike rated tires, rock-solid frame and suspension systems.
So far, my results have been very successful. I’ve mated a motor/controller/battery configuration that’s providing an excellent power-to-weight ratio in a package that’s considerably lighter than other ‘super systems’. We’re currently developing the custom lithium battery packs that will sit at the center (literally) of the system. I’m sourcing a very well-bred mountain bike frame/suspension system that, with the proper array of alternative component features, will make for a lively, powerful, and manageable urban solution. This bike will have the guts to handle some serious trail conditions, but it will have the disposition to reign supreme over city streets with powerful grace and style.
Watch this blog for more details as the project nears completion!
OK, its a new year. I’ve got lots of plans for new projects in 2012 and they all start with turning over some of my existing stock to free up floor space as well as capital. Nobody jumped on the Bomber in time for Christmas so I’ve drastically lowered the price as far you’ll ever see it go. $9000 takes it home! Check out my previous October blog entry for more details.
This is as good as it ever gets for one of these dream machines, folks. Are you ready to ride the King of the Hill?
I got to meet with the guys from Stealth at the Interbike Show in September to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the Bomber and Fighter bikes.
John is truly passionate about his creations, and based on the response I saw from all the folks who checked out our products, these really are the hottest bikes on the e-bike market today.Time after time bicycle industry folks came back from a test ride exclaiming that they just had the most exciting e-bike experience of their life.
Watch the video for yourself and then call me to make an appointment for your own test ride. I promise you’ll be amazed!
Stealth Bikes at Interbike Show
Here’s a video that you’ve GOT to see. Proof positive that you never know what in the world awaits you each time you head out on a ride. One more example of why its so important to ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Remember…safety is no accident!
For those of you who have been following us here at Ashland Electric Bikes, the Wind Runner was the flagship urban e-bike of the line for the past few years. They were built on a classic bicycle frame that was available in very limited quantities. I thought my source had disappeared, but it turns out that I have access to a few more of these bikes after all! So, once again I can offer this incredible e-bike to a discerning few customers.
These bikes include my best quality 400 watt geared motor and a host of quality components and accessories. These two are available with either a 36 volt or a 48 volt LiFePo4 battery system. These batteries are rated for double the lifespan of all the other production bike batteries I offer in the shop. At 36 volts it matches the power and speed of its closest comparable bike – the Pathfinder ST – with the addition of a much more sport performance oriented platform. At 48 volts it becomes an urban-rocket-ship-on-two-wheels that surpasses all the other on-road bikes in terms of power and speed.
If you’re looking for a nimble, quick responding ride that matches the performance characteristics of a high priced mountain bike but is outfitted to conquer the urban environment instead, this may be the bike for you!
I’ve got lots of new bikes scheduled for delivery in the next few weeks and I’m out of space in the shop. These two big bikes have got to go!
This Sun Biscayne Tandem Electric Bike is a ton of fun for two! It sports a BMC 400 watt geared motor with a 36V 10AH LiFePo4 lithium battery to make things much easier for both riders. This ride is sure to turn heads wherever you roam. Regular price is $2495.00 Its now priced to go at $1995.00. This is a one time offer that’s sure to be had by someone quickly. If you’re that person, come on down and take it for a spin!
This white Rogue Sherpa Adult Trike is waiting to be enlisted into serious gear/grocery/goodies hauling duty. Its driven by an Aotema 750 watt direct drive motor with a 36V 10AH LiFePo4 lithium battery. If you want to move alot of stuff around town easily, this is the bike for you. Regular price is $1895.00. Its now priced to go at $1395.00. Come check it out soon!
I’ve been searching for years for an ebike at this price point that will withstand the test of time. At last they are here! The Fast4ward bikes from Ultra Motors of England manage to deliver a respectable amount of electric assist via a lighter weight, lower priced bike. They cannot climb hills as well as my other bikes, and they have a top speed of only about 16 mph. If your riding keeps you mostly down on the valley floor, around town, and the budget is tight, this bike can serve your needs.
The bikes come equipped with a front suspension fork, lithium ion battery, lights front and rear, and fenders on the Ride. All in all these are very nice bikes for the price. I’m confident in the quality, as they are made by the same folks who build the A2B Metro, my finest in-town ebike. So, if all you have to spend is about $1500, you can finally buy a bike that’ll perform better and last longer than so many other low-priced ebikes that are flooding the US market these days. Come check it out.
This bike is a very exciting addition to the shop. Ultra Motors out of England offer innovative designs and great performing bicycles. I chose the Metro to be the new flagship of the on-road, in-town bicycle options here at Ashland Electric Bikes. It sports a beautifully designed and well-built aluminum frame that’s unlike any other bike. The rear hub motor is a powerful and incredibly quiet work of art in itself. The rest of the components and features combine to create a hybrid between an electric bike and an electric scooter.
They make no excuses for its weight – 72 lbs. – this is one solid ride. And smooth. Did I mention smooth? Full suspension coupled with 3″ wide(!) tires assures a delightful ride over bumps and curbs. Disc brakes front and rear feel very safe and secure. Fenders and front/rear lights make it an all-weather contender. A2B specific cargo carrying options are available; aftermarket solutions can be managed with minimal effort as well. The fit and finish on these bikes is akin to what I’m used to seeing in the motorcycle industry. However, don’t let that scare you off of its easy riding ability. 7-speeds via a grip shifter, a simple twist throttle, a solid center kickstand, a uniquely shaped and comfortable seat, and an included rear view mirror promise an enjoyable experience for riders of almost every size and shape.
For the folks who live at the upper reaches of Ashland and similar locations, this is the bike for you. If distinctiveness and high quality execution of design appeals to you, this is for you. If a blend of sportiness and comfort are what you’re looking for, this is for you. If I were to equate the bikes to their equivalent cars, this would be the Lexus luxury sport offering. Is it worth the $3100 price tag? You bet! Come see for yourself.
We had another great ride in the parade this year. Close to twenty bikes were out on the street showing off their stuff. This is always a great way for folks to see the bikes in action as well as a chance for my friends to enjoy their ‘fifteen minutes of fame’ and bust some fancy bike moves! (See the link to a YouTube video to the right, under Bookmarks.)
I have to say that I’m very impressed with these additions to the line up in the shop this summer. For a few hundred dollars more than the Pedego Cruiser you get a well equipped bike that’s ready for serious commuting duty right ‘out of the box’. At the heart of both the Pathfinder bikes is the 400 watt geared motor that I’ve had great success with for the past three years. It is lighter and stronger than a comparable direct drive motor and it freewheels when not engaged. These qualities make it a stronger hill climber as well as being more efficient (greater range per charge). In short, its my motor of choice for Ashland and surrounding areas.
The Pathfinder ST is a full size step thru frame bike. It has a 7-speed internal rear hub – no more derailler issues – ever! It sports front suspension and a disc brake, a larger 14 AH battery for greater range, integrated lights front and rear, fenders, rear rack, and a rear wheel lockout feature. It has manual throttle control as well as a very smooth pedal assist mode with both high and low settings for completely automatic, worry free riding. The low central positioning of the battery adds to the stability and balance of both style bikes. Its VERY easy to remove and can be recharged on or off the bike. Electric cut-off brake levers add another level of safety.
The Pathfinder Mini is a smaller, lighter version step thru frame bike. This is the bike for anyone who feels at all intimidated by the size or weight of standard ebikes. 20″ wheels front and rear give this bike an extremely low center of gravity and make it easier to transition from ‘ in the saddle’ to ‘standing’ position. It’s easier to move around and load into your car. The smaller wheels coupled with the same 400 watt geared motor as its larger sibling gives this little bike a BIG appetite for hills. It climbs like a baby goat! Its $300 lower price reflects the following changes:10AH battery, linear pull front brake, solid front fork, 3-speed rear hub, manual throttle only, no rear wheel lock out or speedometer.
Either of these bikes is a sensible choice for sustained daily use in our environment. They are well conceived and well constructed. Strong efficient motors coupled with plentiful accessories move these bikes up a notch from fun cruiser to serious commuter…without losing any of the fun factor!
Pathfinder ST – $2195 available in black, white, blue, silver
Pathfinder Mini – $1895 available in black, white (shown without battery installed – oops!)